“I’m surprised at that!” said Aunt Nine, but there was a merry gleam in her eye, and somehow the twins began to think they were going to like her in spite of her majestic appearance.
Then dinner was announced, and, as the guest arose, the children were impressed afresh with her evident importance.
She walked like a duchess, and seemed to expect everybody to dance attendance upon her.
Aunt Rachel picked up her handkerchief, and Aunt Abbie her vinaigrette, for she dropped them both as she rose.
The twins, greatly interested, walked behind, and they all started toward the dining-room.
As they neared the door, the hostesses stepped back and Aunt Penninah stalked stiffly into the room.
Perhaps it was not to be wondered at, for the figure at the table was certainly startling to look at, and the glittering carving knife was aimed straight at her, but Aunt Penninah threw up both her hands, gave a fearful shriek, and fainted dead away!
CHAPTER XIV
A CORONATION
“Oh, Aunt Nine, what is the matter?” cried Miss Rachel, bending over her, while Miss Abbie fluttered around distractedly.